In May 2023, Dr Laura Fisher (Mulloon Institute, Creative Adaption Partnerships) participated in the ‘Mycology in May Mystery Tour’ at Ferntree Gully Reserve in Rylstone, NSW with 23 eager mushroom hunters.

Ferntree Gully is a deep gorge with a very special atmosphere, and many species of fungi to be discovered. Riffing on the idea of a treasure hunt, Laura worked with local artist Leanne Thompson and the very creative Watershed Landcare coordinator Maddison O'Brien to create a series of art/science installations and happenings to deepen the group’s engagement with mycology.

The walk inspired discussions of mycelium’s role transporting water and nutrients to plant roots, and how fungal strands create scaffolding in soil pores for water to be stored. We also pondered the mysterious wet substance glomalin, which some scientists believe is a gel-like, carbon-rich substance exuded by mycelium. Loofah, copper, acorns, origami, jelly, driftwood roots and lights were all used to visualise these remarkable tiny happenings beneath our feet. The tour culminated in a human sculpture, guided by Leanne, to enact the incredible underground relationships mycelium fosters between plants and organisms.

This event was staged by Watershed Landcare, and supported by the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network. Dr Laura’s contribution to this event was supported by the Citizen Science grant ‘Modelling Landscape Rehydration for Catchments, Community and Curriculum’.

Read more about this event!: https://watershedlandcare.com.au/discovering-a-hidden-world/

Article: Fungi stores a third of carbon from fossil fuel emissions and could be essential to reaching net zero, new study reveals